Friday, October 28, 2005

Kingston seeking gay community center

By Nicole G. Ray
Poughkeepsie Journal

KINGSTON — Residents and some city leaders are in agreement that Kingston needs a community center for gays and lesbians. But how such a building should be paid for is being debated.

The issue was raised again this week at a forum organized by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Community Center Committee — comprised of local residents who helped organize the first New Paltz Pride March and Festival in June.

The group said the center would provide counseling for youths, activities for seniors and would be a meeting place for gay people. A location has not been identified. The group is seeking a space of between 2,000 and 3,000 square feet within Kingston, since the city is the seat of Ulster County government. The location would have space to hold large seminars, small conferences and a room for one-on-one counseling.

The group has received a $35,000 grant from the Gill Foundation, which seeks to secure equal opportunity for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender, and is seeking more funding.

Some are calling for help from local government.

"When it comes to looking for a space," committee member Alderman Michael Madsen, D-9th Ward, said during Tuesday night's forum, "I am going to pressure the mayor. I am going to pressure the council. I am going to work with the assemblyman."

Kingston Mayor James Sottile, who was at the meeting, said "We welcome a center. Going out of pocket? I don't envision the City of Kingston doing that."

Explore financial options

Sottile said he was willing to work with the group to explore loan opportunities and state funding. He said the city would take a look at its properties and a bid from the group would be welcomed.

As the rain sprinkled outside, the crowd in City Hall swayed to the sounds of the Beatles hit song "All You Need Is Love" and Kool and the Gang's "Celebration." They watched video of the first gay marriage in New Paltz, the gay pride march and clips depicting centers in other areas.

"As an educator in the community, I am very concerned about our gay and lesbian youth," said Maureen Bowers, 55, an employee with the Board of Education. "I think it can help our kids feel safe and feel good about who they are."

Christopher Serrano, a 17-year-old Beacon resident, expressed concern for other young people.

"I came out two years ago to my grandmother," Serrano said. "When I was coming out, I didn't have a center. But for kids in the future, it will be beneficial to them."

Nicole G. Ray can be reached at ngray@poughkeepsiejournal.com